Rail

Plan to kill California HSR may make ballot

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — CBS SF reported that supporters of a plan to stop the California high-speed rail project got the go-ahead to begin collecting signatures in an effort to get an initiative on the ballot.

The measure, according to Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s office, prevents the issue and sale of remaining high-speed rail bonds, lets the Legislature redirect unspent bond proceeds away from the project and prevents the state from spending any funds or entering into new contracts for the project.

Backers of the measure have 150 days to gather at least 504,760 valid signatures to get the issue on the November ballot. For the full story, click here.

Economic development within one-half mile of the system has been stimulated by ridership that has exceeded original projections. Valley Metro began compiling development activity since construction started in 2005 as part of an economic development database.

The new bike car contains 14 racks that will provide more room to maneuver bicycles on and off the train. A set of seats were removed from the lower level of the vehicle to make room for the bike racks.